Interesting times ahead JAFC will have lots of drama

THE draw for the first round of the 2020 Fitzgerald Kitchens Junior ‘A’ Football Championship has thrown together some extremely interesting pairings for the weekend of July 18 when the action finally gets back up and running.

Tie of the round in terms of local derbies has to be Aughrim v. Shillelagh-Coolboy with Jon Hynes taking his team to do battle with his place of abode for a tactical showdown with the shrewd Eugene O’Brien.

Aughrim have endured some very difficult years in the recent past but do look to be turning a corner. Whether or not a Junior ‘A’ crown is too much to ask at this stage of their transition is a question that might well be answered to a certain extent when the final whistle sounds in their opener against Shillelagh-Coolboy who have already played Coolkenno in a challenge game and are scheduled to do battle with Annacurra in the next few days as they look to ready themselves for the tough road ahead.

Aughrim warmed up for this game with a win over Tinahely’s second team in Aughrim last week.

This promises to be an entertaining clash between two ambitious teams.

Baltinglass will provide the test for the 2019 Junior ‘B’ football champions, Enniskerry, in their first game back after the horror accident during the homecoming celebrations last year.

How that accident has affected their ranks will tell a lot towards their first year back in the Junior ‘A’ but the safety net of no relegation will give them time to find their feet and put in strong foundations for 2021.

Baltinglass always have plenty to offer at this level and will provide a stern examination of the Enniskerry side. They bowed out to Barndarrig in the quarter-final.

An even battle would be anticipated between Hollywood and St. Patrick’s depending on what side St. Patrick’s produce. Both sides exited quite tamely last year and will be keen to make a bigger impact this season although a lot will depend on the requirements of their Intermediate and Senior sides.

Ashford will hope for a strong start against Éire Óg who may have too many pull factors between Senior hurling and football to give them a realistic chance of progressing at Junior ‘A’ level but they are a side that can surprise and shock and given the wonderful underage developments up there and their very strong Junior ‘C’ team from 2019 they should be treated with the utmost respect.

Fitzgerald Kitchens JAFC

Aughrim v Shillelagh/Coolboy Hollywood v St. Pats Baltinglass v Enniskerry Ashford v Eire Óg Blessington, Valleymount, Rathnew and Barndarrig await the winners of the first round with the draw to take place after the last game of the first round which will be in Aughrim on July 19.